Safely tucked in to our winter berth in Westhaven Marina, Auckland. Now tackling the job of replacing the Macushla's headlining (deep joy!) and glad to have the delights of metropolitan life on our doorstep.

Have been in Marsden Cove marina for the last month as we've been completing some upgrades to electrics. Have managed to escape boat jobs a few times to get out hiking, including the long stair climb to the top of Mount Manaia. View from the top was well worth it. Hoping to dust off our sea legs this coming week and head in the general direction of Great Barrier / Kawau depending on the weather, as always.

Arrived Opua late last night. Our heartfelt thanks to all your support during the trip, we would love to meet up with you and David to thank you personally during our stay in NZ. We will be on the lookout for you.

What happened to the sunshine? Not noticed any significant current either fore or against yet. Starting to focus on using up all our freash food supplies, will need to have a gin and tonic tonight to finish off the fresh lemons!

Trough passed over Minerva yesterday with sustained winds at mid 20s gusting 35 knts and some heavy rain for 5 hours, peaking around 4 pm. We plan to leave N Minerva reef this morning Sat 21st with an ETA in Opua by 29th. Will bring the summer with us!

At anchor in N Minerva reef with four other boats.
We plan to depart on Saturday 21st, plan to head west of rhum line for at least first 48 hrs and then direct if forecast proves stable, expected ETA in Opua by 29th.

At anchor in N Minerva reef with four other boats, very keen to hear David's update on what to expect when the trough passes us on Friday. We plan to sit it out here and set off on the impending arrival of the next high on Sat / Sunday.